Minority, Women, and Small Business

Small Business Enterprise Program

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is committed to promoting full and open access to business opportunities with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools by seeking suppliers and building relationships through a competitive process. Therefore, small business enterprises (SBE) and other responsible vendors shall have a fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in the CMS procurement process.

The goal of this site is to serve as a source of information for all vendors and prospective bidders who want to do business with CMS. In addition, interested vendors will better understand how to do business with the school system, available small business assistance, certification requirements, and upcoming bid opportunities.

If you would like to be included in the vendor database, please complete the Vendor Profile and submit to supplierdevelopment@cms.k12.nc.us Please note, the vendor database is an information repository for schools and departments to search for companies that provide a good or service. This does not guarantee you will be awarded a contract or purchase order. Opportunities will be shared with you via email or phone call. If you have any questions, please contact the Supplier Development team at supplierdevelopment@cms.k12.nc.us.

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Contact Us

Skyne Betha
Assistant Director of Supplier Development
Small Business Enterprise Program
P: 980-343-6856

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I do business with CMS?

If you are interested in working directly with schools & departments, please review current opportunities via the following link: Procurement Services.
- Please register and request notifications from the NC electronic Vendor Portal (NCEVP). You will receive notifications and information about upcoming opportunities for providing goods and services. Registration can be completed via NCEVP Registration.
If you are interested in working with Capital Programs on construction projects, please click the following link: How to do Business with CMS
- Additional information can also be found on the CMS Construction website: CMS Construction

How can I find out about upcoming formal bid opportunities?
Upcoming formal bid opportunities for construction-related projects are available on the CMS Construction website or advertised under the local newspaper's legal section. All other formal bid opportunities are available on the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal.

How can I find out about upcoming informal bid opportunities?
Contact the Supplier Development Office at supplierdevelopment@cms.k12.nc.us.

How can I get a list of commodities that are purchased?
Procurement Services provides a list of commodities and buyers via Procurement Services

Do SBE firms have to be certified?
Certification is not a requirement for vendors seeking to do business with the school system; however, only certified SBE firms will be credited toward the aspirational goals established by the school system. Firms may be certified by any governmental, private or public certifying agency. If your company is interested in becoming certified, please contact either of the following agencies:

Charlotte Business Inclusion
704-336-4137
Small Business Certification

Does Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools use state term contracts?
School systems are no longer required to purchase from state term contracts; however, it is the preferred method of procuring large or large quantities of items that have already been competitively bid.

Does Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools outsource custodial services?
Currently, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools does not outsource services; however, the Custodial Services Department maintains a list of emergency response vendors. For more information, contact the Custodial Services Department at 980-343-6851.

What is your payment policy?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' payment policy is net thirty after receiving an approved invoice.